Abstract

HERNANDEZ-HERNANDEZ, Alicia et al. Regenerative medicine and its links with sports medicine. Rev Cubana Hematol Inmunol Hemoter [online]. 2013, vol.29, n.2, pp.134-142. ISSN 0864-0289.

The main goal of regenerative medicine is the development of new therapeutic methods useful for the replacement or repair of tissues or to promote its regeneration. These methods have achieved promising results in trauma and orthopedic disorders, mainly with the use of adult stem cells, but also with the use of platelets. The similarity of some of these disorders with those seen by sports doctors in athletes with minor injuries due to their training or sports participation, have allowed these procedures to develop good perspectives in the field of sports medicine, as it was considered that they may also be of great benefit in the treatment of sports injuries. Until recently, the intramuscular use of platelets was completely forbidden by sports authorities who considered this approach another source of doping. However, taking into account that platelet injections for therapeutic purposes do not violate the spirit of sport, in 2011 the prohibition was removed. Currently, the use of stem cells for therapeutic purposes is also not included in the prohibited list of World Anti-Doping Agency. Considering these decisions, an agreement was established between the Institutes of Sports Medicine and Hematology and Immunology, in order to take the first steps to implement these new methods in Sports Medicine.

Keywords : Regenerative medicine; sports medicine; orthopedics; stem cells; platelets; sports injury.